Born in Italy early in the 13th century, she came from a poor but devout family. 

Her sister became a Cistercian Nun and her brother was a hermit that locals considered a Saint. 

When she was 12, Zita became a servant girl for a wealthy family. She worked extremely hard and her attitude was always kind and generous but many of the other servants and even the family she worked for treated her severely and even beat her. 

Still, Zita’s attitude never changed and, eventually, her kindness, intelligence, and hard work could no longer be overlooked and she gained more and more responsibility. 

Ultimately, she was given command of all of the household affairs. 

Zita rose several hours before everyone else attended mass every morning and considered the work she was given a gift from God. 

Once, when she became aware of someone in need of food, she left the home to deliver it. When other servants informed the family she’d gone without finishing her cooking, they found angels baking bread in the kitchen in Zita’s absence. 

She died on this day in 1272 and, that night, a star appeared over the attic where she slept. 

After her death, more than 150 miracles were attributed to Zita. 

St. Zita, please pray for us.